Ukrainian Forces Hit Moscow's Fuel Plant Using British Storm Shadow Missiles.

In a significant military action, Ukrainian forces reportedly used British-made Storm Shadow missiles to target and hit a major Russian oil refinery. This strike occurred on Thursday, according to the country's military authorities.

Details of the Strike and Strategic Impact

The plant in question, the Novoshakhtinsk oil plant, was said to be hit, with "numerous explosions" observed at the location. This marks another instance where Ukraine has utilized these powerful British-supplied missiles to hit targets on Russian territory.

Ukrainian officials noted that the Novoshakhtinsk facility acts as one of the primary providers of fuel products in Russia's south and is directly involved in providing for the military of the Russian Federation.

Diplomatic Developments on the War Front

In a related development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Thursday that he held productive talks with representatives of former US President Donald Trump, namely Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. These talks focused on potential pathways to end the war.

“We had a really good conversation: many details, constructive proposals, that we discussed,” Zelenskyy stated on a messaging platform. “There are some fresh concepts on how to move toward a genuine peace closer, and it concerns formats, potential summits, and, certainly, the timeline.”

Judicial Proceedings Within Russia

In a parallel domestic matter, a court in Russia has convicted a activist and critic of Vladimir Putin on charges of supporting terrorist activities. Sergei Udaltsov, head of the opposition movement, was given to six years in a penal colony.

This case reportedly stem from an online post Udaltsov shared backing another group of Russian activists charged with forming a terrorist organisation. Udaltsov has denied the allegations as fabricated and, after the sentencing, reportedly announced to begin a hunger strike in defiance.

Foreign Prisoner Case

The Kremlin indicated it is in contact with French officials concerning the case of Laurent Vinatier, a French researcher currently serving a prison term in Russia and reportedly facing new charges of spying.

An official stated that Russia has presented a proposal to France regarding Vinatier, and now “the ball is in France’s court.” French President Emmanuel Macron’s office confirmed he is closely following the situation, with all government services mobilised to provide consular support and advocate for his liberation as soon as possible.

Symbolic Reconstruction in Mariupol

A theatre in Mariupol, which was destroyed in a 2022 Russian airstrike while hundreds of civilians were sheltering in its cellar, is set to reopen. Russian occupation authorities have heralded the rebuilding as a sign of renewal.

However, previous staff from the theatre have denounced the planned opening as “dancing on bones.” This project is part of a broader Moscow effort to present its rule in occupied Ukraine, a process accompanied by the detention or expulsion of dissenting voices and confiscation of assets from local residents.

It is expected to open by the end of the month with a performance of a classic Russian story, following its reconstruction almost from scratch over the past two years.